September 22, 2025, 9:04 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Every year, hundreds of poison baits are reported in Germany. Yet, many pet owners still underestimate the danger, as dog trainer Katharina Marioth warns in an interview with PETBOOK. She explains how dog owners can protect their pets from poison baits and why vigilance is necessary everywhere.
Vigilance Is Necessary Everywhere
PETBOOK: Katharina, as a dog trainer, you have a lot of experience with poison baits. How prevalent is this issue in everyday life?
Katharina Marioth: “Very prevalent. Many dog owners are very afraid that their dog will pick up something harmful outside, and in the worst case, it could even be fatal. Unfortunately, some people’s imaginations know no bounds. Accordingly, the topic is always part of the training.”
In which places should dog owners be particularly vigilant, and can you really protect your dog from poison baits?
“Vigilance is necessary everywhere. Dog haters often place bait where many dogs gather. But there are also cases where dogs have been poisoned in their own gardens. That’s why I advise: Teach your dogs not to pick up anything outside but to indicate it instead.”
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Can you easily train such an indication behavior?
“It is indeed possible. There are various signals: For example, the dog makes a detour around something. Or it indicates something edible to its owner instead of picking it up directly. Some dogs lie down, others stand over it—the important thing is to pick up on and reinforce the dog’s behavior. Additionally, I use a ‘disgust signal’: I make an authentic gagging sound and use body language to show the dog that the find is off-limits. Timing and credibility are crucial.”
Many dog owners rely on poison bait warnings on the Internet. Helpful or just scaremongering?
“Both. Such warnings can be useful, but you have to differentiate. Some reports are fake and only serve to keep dogs away from certain areas. I would like to see findings officially recorded by public order offices and published in apps—similar to water quality reports. The important thing is: If you find something, you should photograph it, collect it (in a poop bag), and hand it over to the police.”
Even Drug and Food Scraps Can Become a Danger
What can owners do if their dog still picks up a lot and the training hasn’t taken hold yet?
“Then it’s not just about poison baits, but also other dangers—such as discarded drug residues, aluminum foil, or food scraps that can cause injuries or poisoning. In such cases, a muzzle can be very helpful. There are transparent mesh muzzles that prevent the dog from swallowing larger items. This is a sensible management strategy until the training reliably takes effect.”
About the Expert
Katharina Marioth is the founder of the Stadthundetraining brand and the KEML principle. She is an IHK- and government-certified dog trainer and behavioral assessor for dangerous dogs in the state of Berlin. In her daily business, she works closely with veterinarians, scientists, and other specialists on dog-related topics. With her knowledge and skills, she secured the title of Dog Trainer of the Year 2023 in the Sat.1 show “The Dog Trainer Champion.”